Mobile communication terminal, method for controlling execution state of application program, application program, and recording medium wherein application has been recorded

ABSTRACT

In the mobile telephone  1  relating to the present invention, a control section  2  performs control for switching between a non-active state which refuses inputs to an application program, and an active state which permits inputs to an application program. Moreover, the control section  2  performs control for switching the execution state of the application program from the non-active state to the active state, in accordance with instructions from an input section  3 . The control section  2  further performs control for switching the execution state of the application program from the non-active state to the active state, in accordance with a function contained in an application program.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mobile communications terminal,application program execution state control method, application program,and storage medium storing application programs.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, resident application programs have been developed asapplication programs which can be executed on a mobile communicationsterminal, principally mobile telephones. A resident application programis automatically started up when the power supply is turned on, and itcontinues in an active state until the power supply is switched off oruntil the user shuts it down. Examples of residential applicationprograms include, for example, application programs for displaying astandby screen for awaiting a telephone call or incoming electronic mail(hereinafter, called “standby screen”).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, in a conventional mobile communications terminal, a residentapplication program has only one execution state. In this executionstate, the application program receives all the key events (processcommands based on key inputs), and in order to release this reception ofkey events, it is necessary to close down the application program whilstit is running. Consequently, if a call is made whist the applicationprogram is running, for example, then the user must temporarily closedown the application program.

In order to restart the temporarily closed down application program, theuser must perform an operation of selecting and executing theapplication program. Moreover, since the execution state after closedown is not reflected in the temporarily closed down applicationprogram, it is necessary to perform an operation in order to return tothe screen displayed before the call was made. Operations of this kindare bothersome and time-consuming for the user, and impair the usabilityof the mobile communications terminal. They are particularlyinconvenient if a resident application program is running which usesmoving image data, such as a stock market board, game, or the like.

In view of the aforementioned problems, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a mobile communications terminal, an applicationprogram execution state control method, an application program, and astorage medium storing an application program with improved usabilityduring execution of application programs.

The mobile communications terminal relating to the present invention ischaracterized in that it comprises: control means for performingcontrol, when an application program is being executed, for switchingbetween: a non-active state in which key inputs to the applicationprogram being executed are refused, and an active state in which keyinput to the application program are permitted.

The application program execution state control method according to thepresent invention is an application program execution state controlmethod whereby a mobile communications terminal controls the executionstate of an application program stored in the mobile communicationsterminal, characterized in that it comprises: a control step forperforming control, when the application program is being executed,whereby the mobile communications terminal switches between: anon-active state in which key inputs to the application program beingexecuted are refused, and an active state in which key input to theapplication program are permitted.

The application program relating to the present invention is anapplication program which is executed in a mobile communicationsterminal and the execution state of which is controlled by the mobilecommunications terminal, characterized in that it comprises functionsfor switching between a non-active state in which key inputs to theapplication program being executed are refused, and an active state inwhich key input to the application program are permitted.

According to these inventions, it is possible to provide control forswitching between a non-active state which refuses key inputs to anapplication program being executed, and an active state which permitskey inputs to said application program. Consequently, even if anotherapplication program for executing basic telephone functions, such asoutgoing call processing, or the like, is used whilst an applicationprogram is being processed, it is not necessary for the user totemporarily close down the application program being executed.Consequently, no labour or time is required to restart a temporarilyclosed down application program. Therefore, it is possible to improvethe convenience of use of the mobile communications terminal.

Desirably, the mobile communications terminal relating to the presentinvention further comprises: instructing means for instructing a statetransition between the non-active state and the active state; whereinthe control means executes control for switching the execution state ofthe application program between the non-active state and the activestate, in accordance with the instructions from the instructing means.

Desirably, the application program execution control method relating tothe present invention further comprises: an instructing step forinstructing a state transition of the mobile communications terminalbetween the non-active state and the active state; wherein, in thecontrol step, control is executed for switching the execution state ofthe application program between the non-active state and the activestate, in accordance with the instructions from the instructing step.

Desirably, the application program relating to the present inventioncomprises functions for switching between the non-active state in whichkey inputs to the application program being executed are refused, andthe active state in which key input to the application program arepermitted.

According to these inventions, the user is able readily to cause atransition of the execution state of the application program by means ofa simple operation, such as pressing a switching key, or the like. Inother words, it is possible readily to perform switching of anapplication program being executed to a execution state which permitsinput to the program, whilst continuing an execution state in whichessential telephone functions can be used immediately. As a result, theconvenience of use of the mobile communications terminal can be improvedfurther.

Desirably, in the mobile communications terminal relating to the presentinvention, the control means performs control for switching theexecution state of the application program between the active state andthe non-active state in accordance with a function contained in theapplication program.

Desirably, in the control step of the application program executioncontrol method relating to the present invention, control is executedfor switching the execution state of the application program between thenon-active state and the active state in accordance with a functioncontained in the application program.

According to these inventions, switching can be performed in the mobilecommunications terminal whereby key inputs to an application programbeing executed are refused, and key inputs to another applicationprogram for implementing basic telephone functions are receivedpreferentially. In this, it is not necessary for the user to perform anoperation for switching the execution state.

Desirably, the mobile communications terminal relating to the presentinvention comprises instructing means for instructing a state transitionbetween the non-active state and the active state; wherein the controlmeans executes control for switching the execution state of theapplication program from the non-active state to the active state inaccordance with the instructions from the instructing means, and forswitching the execution state of the application program from the activestate to the non-active state, in accordance with a function containedin the application program.

Desirably, the application program execution state control methodaccording to the present invention further comprises an instructing stepfor instructing a state transition of the mobile communications terminalfrom the non-active state to the active state; wherein the control stepexecutes control for switching the execution state of the applicationprogram from the non-active state to the active state in accordance withthe instructions from the instructing step, and for switching theexecution state of the application program from the active state to thenon-active state, in accordance with a function contained in theapplication program.

According to these inventions, since the state transitions are sharedbetween the instructing means and the application program, there is nooccurrence of infinite loops of state transitions, due to bugs, or thelike, in the application program. Furthermore, by automaticallyswitching the execution state of the application program from an activestate to a non-active state, it is possible to receive key inputs to anative application for mobile communications, in a preferential manner.

Desirably, in a mobile communications terminal relating to the presentinvention, in the non-active state, the control means permits key inputsto a native application program which is different to the applicationprogram.

Desirably, in the application program execution state control methodrelating to the present invention, in the non-active state, the controlstep permits key inputs to a native application program which isdifferent to the application program.

According to these inventions, in the non-active state, the user is ableto use native applications, such as basic telephone functions of themobile communications terminal, mail, browsing, and the like, in anappropriate manner.

More desirably, in the mobile communications terminal relating to thepresent invention, in the non-active state, the control means executesthe application program while partially limiting the functions thereof.

More desirably, in the control step of the application program executioncontrol method relating to the present invention, the applicationprogram is executed with the functions of thereof being partiallylimited in the non-active state.

More desirably, the application program relating to the presentinvention comprises specific functions which are not executed in thenon-active state.

According to these inventions, the functions of an application programin a non-active state are executed in a partially limited fashion. Alimited execution of this kind is implemented by prohibiting reading ofspecific functions contained in an application. In other words, in thenon-active state, functions with a low requirement for execution are setas specific functions, thereby restricting the functions of theapplication program. Thereby, by restricting functions using abacklight, for example, it is possible to prevent the backlight fromswitching on due to malfunction, roguery, or the like. As a result, thepower consumption can be reduced.

Furthermore, if a storage medium storing an application program asdescribed above is sold or distributed, independently or as a peripheralproduct, then it is possible to implement the execution state controltechnology relating to the present invention, inexpensively, over abroad range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional composition of a mobiletelephone;

FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing the execution statetransmission processing;

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen before keyinput in an active state;

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen after keyinput in an active state;

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen before keyinput in a non-active state;

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen after keyinput in a non-active state;

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen beforetransition to a rest state;

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen aftertransition to a rest state;

FIG. 6 is a compositional diagram of a storage medium; and

FIG. 7 is a compositional diagram of a computer system.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in detailswith respect to the accompanying drawings. Firstly, the composition willbe described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functionalcomposition of a mobile telephone 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobiletelephone 1 (corresponding to a mobile communications terminal), isconstituted by a control section 2 (corresponding to control means), aninput section 3 (corresponding to instruction means), a RAM 4, a displaysection 5, a memory section 6, a radio communications section 7, and avoice processing section 8, each section being connected via a bus 9 insuch a manner that various types of signals can be input and output toand from same.

The control section 2 has a built in ROM (Read Only Memory) 2 a, reads aprogram previously stored in the ROM 2 a, opens the program into the RAM4, and controls each section centrally in accordance with the program.In other words, the control section 2 executes various types ofprocessing in accordance with input signal from the input section 3 andthe program opened in the RAM 4, and the results of this processing arestored temporarily in the RAM 4 and also displayed on the displaysection 5. The processing results stored in the RAM 4 are also stored ina prescribed region of the memory section 6, according to requirements.

The input section 3 comprises various operating keys which instructoperations, such as switching on of the power supply, selection andexecution of an application program, switching to a execution state, asdescribed hereinafter, setting a rest time, as described hereinafter, orthe like, and each of these respective operating keys outputs an inputsignal corresponding to the instruction content, to the control section2, by means of the keys being pressed independently or jointly.

The RAM (Random Access Memory) 4 is constituted by a semiconductor, orthe like, and temporarily stores programs read from the ROM 2 a or dataread from the memory section 6, in each of the various processesexecuted by the control section 2. For example, when executing theexecution state transition processing described hereinafter, the RAM 4stores data relating to the rest time and time settings specified by thecontrol section 2. Moreover, the RAM 4 stores the display data whentransfer to the rest state, described hereinafter.

The display section 5 is constituted by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)or EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and displays displaydata in a prescribed region in accordance with signals input from thecontrol section 2. The display data is data used as the applicationprogram is executed, and it includes not only static image data, butalso moving image data for elements such as a stock price board, games,or the like.

The memory section 6 is constituted by a volatile semiconductor memory,such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), or thelike, and it stores data required by the control section 2 in order toexecute various processes, and data generated as a result of executingprocesses, and the like. Moreover, the memory section 6 storesapplication programs 61 and ADFs (Attribute Definition Files), in amutually corresponding fashion. An ADF is a file consisting of datarelating to the attributes of an application program 61. The datarelating to attributes is, for example, data indicating that theapplication program 61 has an execution state transition function (MyConcierge key). The application program 61 may be stored in a storagemedium, such as an IC card, or the like, which can be inserted into andremoved from the mobile telephone 1.

The radio communications section 7 is a circuit having a modulating anddemodulating section (not illustrated) for modulating and demodulatingsignals, and an encoding and decoding section (not illustrated) forencoding and decoding signals, and it is also provided with an antenna 7a. The antenna 7 a is provided in an extendable and retractable fashionwith respect to the upper part of the casing of the mobile telephone 1,and it sends and receives data to and from a base station B.

When receiving, the modulating and demodulating section performsprocessing for demodulating signals input via the antenna 7 a, intosignal which can be processed by the encoding and decoding section. Onthe other hand, when transmitting, it performs processing for modulatingdigital signals converted by the encoding and decoding section intosignal which can be transmitted by radio waves. Moreover, the encodingand decoding section is constituted by a codec, and when receiving, itperforms processing (decoding) for converting digital signals input fromthe modulating and demodulating section into analogue signals. On theother hand, when transmitting, it performs processing (encoding) forconverting analogue signals, such as voice signals, into digitalsignals, and compressing the converted digital signals into a datavolume that is suitable for transmission.

The voice processing section 8 comprises a converter and an amplifier,and the like, and is also provided with a microphone 8 a, and speaker 8b. During a call, the voice processing section 8 converts voice datainput via the control section 2 into an analogue signal, by means of theconverter, passes the signal via the amplifier and emits it from thespeaker 8 b. Furthermore, during a call, the voice processing section 8converts a voice signal input via the microphone 8 a into a digitalsignal suitable for radio transmission, by means of the converter, andoutputs the converted signal to the radio communications section 7.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 2. As a basic premise in the description of theoperation, in order to distinguish clearly between an applicationprogram having an execution state transition function, and anapplication program for realizing basic functions of the mobiletelephone 1 (telephone function, mail function, browsing function, andthe like), the former is called “resident application” and the latter iscalled “native application”.

FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram for describing the execution statetransition processing. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile telephone 1 isswitchable between three execution states of the resident application,namely, non-active state, active state, and rest state.

The non-activated state is an execution state which rejects key inputsto the resident application. These inputs include indirect inputs madeby selecting software keys displayed on the display section 5. In thenon-active state, the resident application performs display operationsand data transmission and reception, updating, and the like, by means ofradio communications, similarly to a conventional standby screen.Moreover, the display operations also include updating of display data.Furthermore, in the non-active state, processing for reception of keyevents (process commands implemented by the control section 2 on thebasis of key inputs) and display of software keys is not performed bythe resident application, but is only performed by the nativeapplication.

Moreover, in the non-active state, when a signal is received indicatingreception of a mail from base station B by the mobile telephone 1, thenthe native application is able automatically receive the contents of themail from the mail server.

The active state is an execution state which permits key inputs to theresident application. In the active state, the resident applicationexecutes all processing in order to realize the functions thereof. Inother words, in the active state, processing for reception of key eventsand display of software keys, and the like, is executed by the residentapplication only.

Furthermore, it is possible to implement a setting whereby, in theactive state, if a signal is received indicating reception of a mail bythe mobile telephone 1 from the base station B, then the nativeapplication only displays, in the display section 5, a pictogramindicating that a mail has been received, but does not perform receptionof the mail contents from the mail server. In this way, by applying adifference to the operation of the native application when a signalindicating reception of a mail from the base station B is received, inthe active state and the non-active state, it is possible to preventobstruction of the execution of the resident application each time thata mail is received, when a resident application such as a game, or thelike, has been activated, and furthermore, mail can be receivedautomatically if the game or the like has been interrupted and theresident application, or the like, has been set to a non-active state.

The rest state is an execution state where the resident application ishalted temporarily. In the rest state, the resident application waitsfor a key event which indicates transition to a non-active state oractive state. In other words, in the rest state, the residentapplication does not execute any processing, such as reception of keyevents, display operations, or the like, except for a state transmissioninstruction, and processing is executed by the native application only.The display operations include updating of display data. For example, ina resident application displaying an animated standby screen, or thelike, the display data during rest state becomes static image data, andthe application functions only as a wallpaper display. Therefore, themobile telephone 1 is able to achieve lower power consumption than inthe non-active state. In the rest state, software such us KVM (K VirtualMachine) and JAM (Java Application Manager), and the like, of theresident application also halts.

Below, execution state transition processing is described in detail.Firstly, when the execution of a resident application is instructed viathe input section 3, then the control section 2 reads out and starts upthe resident application from the memory section 6 (S1). Upon startingup, a notification indicating that the application is a residentapplication having an execution state transition function is sent to thecontrol section 2. This notification processing is performed by means ofthe control section 2 consulting the My Concierge key of the ADF storedin the memory section 6.

The resident application may be started up automatically when the mobiletelephone 1 has entered a standby state (hereinafter, called “standbystart-up”). This standby start-up is only executed when the ADF containsa My Concierge key and the standby setting has been made on the menu.

In the present embodiment, an application for displaying a moving imagestandby screen is supposed as the resident application, and theexecution state immediately after start-up is taken to be a non-activestate (S2).

The state transition from non-active state to active state (T1) isexecuted by the control section 2 on the basis of an execution stateswitching instruction from the input section 3. Thereby, the user isable readily to cause the resident application to transfer from anon-active state to an active state, by means of a simple operation,such as pressing a switch key, or the like. In other words, it ispossible readily to implement switching of the resident application toan execution state which permits input, whilst maintaining the nativeapplication in an execution state in which it is immediately usable.Moreover, the state transition in T1 may be executed by the controlsection 2 in accordance with a function contained in the residentapplication.

Furthermore, the processing implemented consecutively after the statetransition in T1 is as follows. This processing includes, for example,display of a ticker (indicator board with flowing and flashing text),playing back of media resources, such as sound and images, and the like,operation of a timer, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)communications, access to a scratch pad (region where data created by anapplication or data received via the network is saved), operation of thevibrator, switching on and off of the backlight, and the like.

The state transition (T2) from active state to non-active state isperformed automatically by the control section 2 on the basis of afunction (for example, “deactivate”) contained in the residentapplication. For example, since a resident application for displaying ananimated standby screen, or the like, has a low input frequency incomparison to the monitoring frequency, it is suitable for thisapplication to continue in a non-active state unless the user executes aswitching instruction. On the other hand, in the case of a nativeapplication, the input frequency is generally higher than that of aresident application, and therefore it is suitable for the active stateof a native application to be continued as long as possible. Therefore,key inputs to a native application are treated preferentially, byautomatically switching the execution state of the resident applicationfrom an active state to a non-active state.

Moreover, since the state transition between an active state and anon-active state is divided between the input section 3 and a functioncontained in the application program, there is not occurrence ofinfinite loops of state transitions, due to bugs in the applicationprogram, or the like.

The state transition shown in T2 can be executed by the control section2 on the basis of a execution state switching instruction from the inputsection 3.

The processing, that is continuously executed even after the statetransition in T2, includes, for example, display of a ticker, playingback of media resources, such as sound and images, and the like,operation of a timer, HTTP communications, access to a scratch pad,operation of the vibrator, switching on of the backlight, switching offof the backlight, and the like.

The state transition from a non-active state to a rest state (T3) isexecuted automatically by the control section 2, on the basis of afunction (for example, “sleep”) contained in the resident application.In the rest state, the display screen shown at the time of the statetransition from non-active state to rest state is displayed continuouslyon the display section 5. In other words, the display data in the reststate is static image data, which does not change over time. Moreover,the state transition at T3 may be performed by control section 2 on thebasis of an execution state switching instruction from the input section3.

The processing halted by the resident application after the statetransition in T3 is as described below. Specifically, the operationswhich are halted are the display of the ticker scroll section (thedisplay of the ticker itself continues), the playing back of mediaresources, operation of the timer, and operation of the vibrator.Furthermore, HTTP communications are disconnected. During writing ofdata to the scratchpad, the state transfers to a rest state afterwriting has completed. During reading of data from the scratchpad, thestate transfers directly to a rest state. The switching on and switchingoff of the backlight are conducted similarly to a non-active state. Inother words, if the backlight was switched on in the non-active statethen it will remain turned on, and if the backlight was switched off inthe non-active state, then it will remain turned off.

The state transition (T4) from rest state to non-active state isexecuted by the control section 2 when a prescribed condition issatisfied. In the case that the mobile telephone 1 is a folding type orflip-type portable phone, then the prescribed condition is the operationof opening the call section of the casing. Alternatively, the conditionmay be the elapsing of a rest time (for example, 5 minutes) set in theactive state, or the reaching of a set time (for example, 17:00)according to the timer, or the like. The control section 2 holds at RAM4 the program code of the resident application that was already beingexecuted when the state was transferred to the rest state. Therefore, inthe case of a state transition from the rest state to the non-activestate, processing for reading again from the start of the program codeis not required. As a result of this, the time required to revert to theresident application is shortened compared to cases where thetemporarily halted resident application is restarted. It is alsopossible for the state transition at T4 to be executed by the controlsection 2 in accordance with a function contained in the residentapplication. Alternatively, the state transition at T4 may be executedby the control section 2 on the basis of an execution state switchinginstruction from the input section 3.

The detailed behaviour of the resident application after the statetransition at T4 is as follows. Namely, in a ticker display, thescrolling text will restart from the display state which was halted whenthe device transferred to the execution state. In HTTP communications,the communications are restarted. If exception processing was generatedwhen the communications were disconnected, then execution is restartedfrom the exception processing. The scratchpad reverts to a state wherewriting and reading of data can be performed. A vibrator operationhalted by a rest state is not restarted automatically. Playing back ofmedia resources and timer operation are not restarted. Switching on andswitching off of the backlight are conducted similarly to the reststate. In other words, if the backlight was switched on in the reststate, then it remains switched on, and if the backlight was switchedoff in the rest state, then it remains switched off.

The detailed behaviour of the resident application after the statetransition at T4 is as follows. Namely, in a ticker display, thescrolling text will restart from the display state which was halted whenthe device transferred to the execution state. In HTTP communications,the communications are restarted. If exception processing was generatedwhen the communications were disconnected, then execution is restartedfrom the exception processing. The scratchpad reverts to a state wherewriting and reading of data can be performed. A vibrator operationhalted by a rest state is not restarted automatically. Playing back ofmedia resources and timer operation are not restarted. Switching on andswitching off of the backlight are conducted similarly to the reststate. In other words, if the backlight was switched on in the reststate, then it remains switched on, and if the backlight was switchedoff in the rest state, then it remains switched off.

The state transition from rest state to active state (T5) is executed bythe control section 2 on the basis of an execution state switchinginstruction from the input section 3. The control section 2 holds theprogram code of the resident application that was already executed whenthe transition to rest state was made in the RAM 4. Therefore, when thestate transition from the rest state to the active state is made,processing for reading out again from the start of the program code isnot necessary. As a result of this, the time required to revert to theresident application is shortened compared to cases where thetemporarily halted resident application is restarted. Moreover, thestate transition at T5 may also be executed by the control section 2 inaccordance with a function contained in the resident application.

The detailed behaviour of the resident application after the statetransition at T5 is as follows. Namely, in a ticker display, thescrolling text will restart from the display state which was halted whenthe device transferred to the execution state. In HTTP communications,the communications are restarted. If exception processing was generatedwhen the communications were disconnected, then execution is restartedfrom the exception processing. The scratchpad reverts to a state wherewriting and reading of data can be performed. A vibrator operationhalted by a rest state is not restarted automatically. Playing back ofmedia resources and timer operation are not restarted. Switching on andswitching off of the backlight are conducted similarly to the reststate. In other words, if the backlight was switched on in the reststate, then it remains switched on, and if the backlight was switchedoff in the rest state, then it remains switched off.

The resident application does not make a state transition from theactive state to the rest state for the following reasons. Namely, whenthe resident application performs an execution state transition, then ifan application (rogue application) has been created which always setsthe resident application to a rest state, the user will become unable tocontrol the execution state. Therefore, state transitions from theactive state to the rest state are prohibited.

State transitions based on functions previously included in the residentapplication are essentially determined by the resident application anddo not give rise to problems of the kind described above. Therefore,state transitions of this kind may be executed as exceptions, regardlessof whether or not there is a corresponding instruction from the inputsection 3. Thereby, if the execution state is transferred on the basisof an instruction from the input section 3, it is possible to save powerin a precise manner according to the wishes of the user. Furthermore, ifthe execution state is transferred in accordance with a functioncontained in a resident application, then it is possible to prevent thewasteful power consumption of the mobile telephone 1 over a long time,without an instruction from the input section 3.

Furthermore, similarly to T6-T8, in any one of the execution states,namely, the non-active state, active state or rest state, the controlsection 2 can terminate the resident application in accordance with ashutdown instruction from the input section 3 (S5).

The resident application can also be terminated forcibly by means of anoperation by the user. In the case of forced termination, the controlsection 2 causes the display section 5 to display a confirmation screen.On this confirmation screen, the user is able to select a desiredinstruction from the following three types of instructions. Namely, theuser can select a desired instruction from: an instruction forterminating the resident application and cancelling the standby start-upsetting, an instruction for cancelling the forced termination andcontinuing execution of the resident application, and an instruction fortemporarily closing down and then restarting the resident application.

FIG. 3A shows one example of a display screen prior to key input in anactive state. As shown in FIG. 3A, display data 51 indicating changes instock prices is shown on the display section 5. The display data 51 ismoving image data that is updated automatically at prescribed intervals(for example, every 10 seconds). The display data 51 comprises adesignated stock input region 51 a in the lower part of the screen. Thedesignated stock input region 51 a is used to input a number foridentifying the stock required by a user in monitoring changes in stockprices (hereinafter, called “designated stock number”).

When the display data 51 is shown, and the user inputs numerical data,such as “12345678”, as a designated stock number, to the designatedstock input region 51 a, then the display state illustrated by thedisplay data 52 in FIG. 3B will be obtained. In other words, in theactive state, since normal key inputs are accepted, the control section2 will execute processing for displaying the input data in theprescribed region of the display section 5, in accordance with keyevents received from the input section 3.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing one example of a display screen before keyinput in a non-active state. As shown in FIG. 4A, display data 53indicating changes in stock prices is shown on the display section 5.The display data 53 is moving image data that is updated automaticallyat prescribed intervals (for example, every 10 seconds). The displaydata 53 comprises a designated stock input region 53 a in the lower partof the screen. In the non-active state, the control section 2 onlydisplays the resident application and does not accept key events.Therefore, the designated stock number cannot be input to the designatedstock input region 53 a.

When the display data 53 is displayed, if the user performs a keyoperation which calls up a function for making a telephone call, thenthe display data 54 illustrated in FIG. 4B is shown on the displaysection 5. In other words, in the non-active state, key input to theresident application is refused, and key input to the native applicationis permitted. Therefore, in response to key events receive from theinput section 3, the control section 2 executes processing for readingout display data for an outgoing call screen, from the memory section 6,and displaying same. As a result, an outgoing call screen as illustratedin FIG. 4B is displayed on the display section 5.

FIG. 5A shows one example of a display screen immediately prior totransition to a rest state. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, display data 55indicating changes in stock prices is shown on the display section 5. Inthe execution state before transferring to the rest state (in otherwords, the non-active state or active state), the display data 55 isupdated automatically at prescribed time intervals (for example, every10 seconds).

Even if a function is executed and the resident application istransferred to a rest state whilst the display data 55 is being shown,the display data 55 immediately before this transition continues to beshown after the transition. FIG. 5B shows one example of a displayscreen after transferring to a rest state. In other words, in the reststate, the control section 2 continues to display the same display data56 as the display data 55 at the time of the transition to the reststate, on the display section 5. In other words, the control section 2does not accept key events from the input section 3 and does not performupdate processing for the display data.

As described above, according to the mobile telephone 1 of the presentembodiment, the control section 2 performs processing for switchingbetween a non-active state in which inputs to the resident applicationare refused, and an active state in which inputs can be made to theresident application. Consequently, even if a native application is usedwhilst a resident application is being executed, the user does not haveto temporarily halt the resident application being executed. Thereby,operations for restarting the resident application and operations forreturning to the display screen after terminating become unnecessary. Asa result, the user tasks and operating time are reduced and theconvenience of use of the mobile telephone 1 can be improved.

The description of the present embodiment related to a preferred exampleof a mobile telephone 1 relating to the present invention, but theinvention is not limited to this embodiment.

For example, the aforementioned embodiment may be implemented asfollows. Namely, read out is permitted in the active state with respectto a portion of the functions contained in the resident application, andread out is prohibited, or read out is permitted but execution isprohibited, with respect to said portion of functions, in the non-activestate. Below, these functions are called “specific functions”.

Thereby, the following merits are obtained when the function indicatinguse of the backlight is set as a specific function, for example. Namely,in the active state, since the resident application accepts key inputs,user input operations can be facilitated by using the backlight tobrighten the display screen. However, in the non-active state, since keyinputs to the resident application are refused, there is little need tobrighten the display screen. If reading of functions instructing use ofthe backlight is permitted even in this case, then it is possible thatthe backlight may light up against the user's wishes, due to malfunctionor roguery. Therefore, by prohibiting read out of functions instructingthe use of the backlight when in the non-active state, it is possible toprevent wasteful power consumption, in advance.

As specific functions, besides functions instructing use of thebacklight, it is also possible to specify, for example, functions whichprompt the user for text input, functions which instruct externaltransmission of data, functions which play back a incoming call melody,functions which instruct start-up of a browser, functions for accessingthe network, functions for calling up telephone functions, and the like.

Moreover, the foregoing embodiment was described with respect to theexample of a mobile telephone as a mobile communications terminal, butthe present invention can also be applied to information equipment, suchas PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistance),and the like.

Finally, a computer-readable storage medium on which an applicationprogram 61 relating to the present invention is stored (hereinafter,simply called “storage medium”) will be described. Here, a storagemedium is a medium which generates a varying state of energy, such asmagnetism, light, electricity, or the like, in accordance with thecontents of a program, for a reading device provided in a hardwareresource, such as generic computers, or the like, whereby the contentsof the program can be transmitted to the reading device in acorresponding signal format. Examples of such a storage medium includenot only media which are insertable in a computer, such as magneticdisks, optical disks, and magneto-optical disks, but also hard disks(HD) built permanently into a computer or a non-volatile semiconductormemory, such as integrally fitted firmware, or the like.

FIG. 6 is a compositional diagram of a storage medium relating to thepresent embodiment. The storage medium 20 is, for example, an opticaldisk, such as a CD (Compact Disk), magnetic disk, such as a floppy disk(FD), or magneto-optical disk (MO), or the like. The storage medium 20comprises a program storage region 20 a for storing programs. As shownin FIG. 6, an application program 61 is stored in this program storageregion 20 a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the application program 61 is constituted by a mainmodule 61 a for controlling processing, and an execution state controlmodule 61 b for executing processing for switching between a non-activestate for refusing key inputs during execution and an active state forpermitting key inputs. Furthermore, the execution state control module61 b performs processing for switching the execution state between anon-active state and an active state, in accordance with statetransition instructions between a non-active state and an active state.Moreover, the execution state control module 61 b performs processingfor switching the execution state between a non-active state and anactive state, in accordance with functions. The application program 61also comprises specific functions which are not executed in thenon-active state.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the composition of a computer forsending an application program 61 stored on a storage medium 20 to themobile telephone 1 (for example, a server device) As shown in FIG. 7,the computer 100 comprises a CPU 101, reading device 102, RAM (RandomAccess Memory) 103, which is a volatile semiconductor memory in which anOS (Operating System) is resident, a display section 104, such as adisplay, an input section 105, such as a mouse, keyboard, or the like, acommunications section 106, such as a communications board, and a CPU101 for controlling execution of the application program 61, and thelike. Here, when a storage medium 20 is inserted into the reading device102, the information recorded on the storage medium 20 can be accessedvia the reading device 102. The application program 61 stored in theprogram storage region 20 a of the storage medium 20 is transmitted fromthe call section 106 to the mobile telephone 1, and can be executed bythe mobile telephone 1.

Moreover, a composition may be adopted wherein the a part or all of theapplication program 61 is received and stored by the radiocommunications section 7, from another device, via a transmissionmedium, such as a communications circuit, or the like. Conversely, it isalso possible to adopt a composition wherein the application program 61is transmitted via a transmission medium and installed in anotherdevice.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform controlfor switching between a non-active state for refusing key inputs to anapplication program being executed and an active state for permittingkey inputs to said application program. Therefore, even if anotherapplication program is used in order to realize basic telephonefunctions, whilst the application program is being executed, the user isnot required to temporarily closed the application program that is beingexecuted. Consequently, no labour or time is required is restart atemporarily closed application program. As a result, the convenience ofuse during execution of an application program can be improved.

1. A mobile communications terminal comprising control means forperforming control, when an application program is being executed, forswitching between a non-active state in which key inputs to theapplication program being executed are refused, and an active state inwhich key inputs to said application program are permitted.
 2. Themobile communications terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:instructing means for instructing a state transition between saidnon-active state and said active state, wherein said control meansexecutes control for switching the execution state of said applicationprogram between the non-active state and the active state, in accordancewith said instructions from said instructing means.
 3. The mobilecommunications terminal according to claim 1, wherein said control meansperforms control for switching the execution state of said applicationprogram between the active state and the non-active state in accordancewith a function contained in said application program.
 4. The mobilecommunications terminal according to claim 1, further comprisinginstructing means for instructing a state transition between saidnon-active state and said active state, wherein said control meansexecutes control for switching the execution state of said applicationprogram from the non-active state to the active state in accordance withsaid instructions from said instructing means, and for switching theexecution state of said application program from the active state to thenon-active state, in accordance with a function contained in saidapplication program.
 5. The mobile communications terminal according toclaim 1, wherein, in said non-active state, said control means permitssaid key inputs to a native application program which is different tosaid application program.
 6. The mobile communications terminalaccording to claim 1, wherein, in said non-active state, said controlmeans executes the application program while partially limiting thefunctions thereof.
 7. An application program execution state controlmethod whereby a mobile communications terminal controls the executionstate of an application program stored in said mobile communicationsterminal, comprising: a control step for performing control, when theapplication program is being executed, whereby the mobile communicationsterminal switches between a non-active state in which key inputs to theapplication program being executed are refused, and an active state inwhich key inputs to said application program are permitted.
 8. Theapplication program execution state control method according to claim 7,further comprising: an instructing step for instructing a statetransition of said mobile communications terminal between saidnon-active state and said active state, wherein, in said control step,control is executed for switching the execution state of saidapplication program between the non-active state and the active state,in accordance with said instructions from said instructing step.
 9. Theapplication program execution state control method according to claim 7,wherein, in said control step, control is executed for switching theexecution state of said application program between the non-active stateand the active state in accordance with a function contained in saidapplication program.
 10. The application program execution state controlmethod according to claim 7, further comprising: an instructing step forinstructing a state transition of said mobile communications terminalfrom said non-active state to said active state, wherein said controlstep executes control for switching the execution state of saidapplication program from the non-active state to the active state inaccordance with said instructions from said instructing step, and forswitching the execution state of said application program from theactive state to the non-active state, in accordance with a functioncontained in said application program.
 11. The application programexecution state control method according to claim 7, wherein, in saidnon-active state, said control step permits said key inputs to a nativeapplication program which is different to said application program. 12.The application program execution state control method according toclaim 7, wherein, in said control step, the application program isexecuted with the functions thereof being partially limited in saidnon-active state.
 13. An application program which is executed in amobile communications terminal and the execution state of which iscontrolled by said mobile communications terminal, comprising: functionsfor switching between a non-active state in which key inputs to saidapplication program being executed are refused, and an active state inwhich key inputs to said application program are permitted.
 14. Theapplication program according to claim 13, comprising: functions forswitching the execution state between the non-active state and theactive state, on the basis of state transition instructions input froman external source.
 15. The application program according to claim 13comprising specific functions which are not executed in said non-activestate.
 16. A storage medium characterized in storing an applicationprogram according to claim 13.